Book genre is something that is essential to writers. This post provides a comprehensive list of book genres produced to help writers pitch to agents/publishers or list their book on Amazon.
I was recently browsing in a large bookshop, scanning the book genres as usual, when I came across a section with a sign declaring ‘Dark Fantasy’. There it was in the cold light of day - a new book genre. Without any fanfare or fuss, the bookshop had promoted Dark Fantasy from a minor sub-genre to a book genre in its own right.
“So what?” I hear you shout.
Well if you write Dark Fantasy this is major news. It means that book buyers are now looking to buy Dark Fantasy (they need to fill those shelves), which means publishers are looking to publish Dark Fantasy books and agents are looking to represent writers who write Dark Fantasy.
If you are self-publishing, then this is also good news. It means there are readers of Dark Fantasy (as well as other book genres), lots of readers…
This is a great illustration of the kind of change writers need to notice. It makes no difference which of the book genres you write, it is essential that, as a writer, keep your ear to the ground and make yourself aware of changes and trends within your genre.
Why? Because if you are serious about writing then book genres are your workplace. If you are going to write relevant, publishable books, then you need to know which books are doing well, and which are not.
Since the publishing industry is segmented by genre, it is essential that you are able to identify and become intimately involved with your genre. As a first step along this road, here’s the genre list we use…
A List A Book Genres
Fiction Genre List
- Action and Adventure,
- Chick Lit,
- Children’s,
- Commercial Fiction,
- Contemporary,
- Crime,
- Erotica,
- Family Saga,
- Fantasy,
- Dark Fantasy (probably still a major sub-genre!)
- Gay and Lesbian,
- General Fiction,
- Graphic Novels,
- Historical Fiction,
- Horror,
- Humour,
- Literary Fiction,
- Military and Espionage,
- Multicultural,
- Mystery,
- Offbeat or Quirky,
- Picture Books,
- Religious and Inspirational,
- Romance,
- Science Fiction,
- Short Story Collections,
- Thrillers and Suspense,
- Western,
- Women’s Fiction,
- Young Adult.
Non-Fiction Genre List
- Art & Photography,
- Biography & Memoirs,
- Business & Finance,
- Celebrity & Pop Culture,
- Music, Film & Entertainment,
- Cookbooks,
- Cultural/Social Issues,
- Current Affairs & Politics,
- Food & Lifestyle,
- Gardening,
- Gay & Lesbian,
- General Non-Fiction,
- History & Military,
- Home Decorating & Design,
- How To,
- Humour & Gift Books,
- Journalism,
- Juvenile,
- Medical, Health & Fitness,
- Multicultural,
- Narrative,
- Nature & Ecology,
- Parenting,
- Pets,
- Psychology,
- Reference,
- Relationship & Dating,
- Religion & Spirituality,
- Science & Technology,
- Self-Help,
- Sports,
- Travel,
- True Adventure & True Crime,
- Women’s Issues.
If you still need help with your book genre then this book genre list from The Guardian should help.
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